How to Boot Windows from Dual Boot

To boot Windows when you have a dual-boot setup, you need to restart your computer and select Windows from the menu that appears during startup.

When your computer has multiple operating systems installed, like Windows and Linux (e.g., Ubuntu), a special program called a bootloader manages the startup process. The bootloader is the first software that runs when you turn on your computer.

The Dual Boot Process

Instead of immediately launching a specific operating system, the bootloader presents you with a menu. This menu lists all the operating systems available on your computer. You get a short period of time to choose which one you want to start.

As the reference states: To switch between operating systems in a dual-boot setup, you need to restart your computer and select the desired operating system from the bootloader menu. The bootloader typically appears during the startup process and allows you to choose between the available operating systems installed on your computer.

Steps to Boot Windows

Here's the general process to boot into Windows from your dual-boot system:

1. Restart your computer: Close any open applications and restart your computer.
2. Watch for the bootloader menu: As your computer starts up, pay attention to the screen. After the initial BIOS/UEFI logo, you should see a menu with different operating system options. This is the bootloader menu.
3. Select Windows: Use the arrow keys (usually the up and down arrows) on your keyboard to highlight the entry for Windows.
4. Press Enter: Once "Windows" or the specific Windows option is highlighted, press the Enter key to select it.

Your computer will then proceed to boot into the selected Windows operating system.

Understanding the Bootloader

The specific look and name of the bootloader can vary depending on how your dual-boot system was set up.

• If you installed Linux after Windows, you might see a bootloader like GRUB (Grand Unified Bootloader). GRUB typically lists Windows alongside your Linux distribution.
• If you used Windows' own tools or installed Windows after Linux in a specific way, you might see the Windows Boot Manager. This boot manager will also list other installed operating systems.

Note: Most bootloaders are configured with a default operating system that will start automatically if you don't make a selection within a set amount of time. You can usually change this default and the timer duration within the bootloader's configuration or system settings, but the core method of switching is always through the menu during startup.